The Story of How Michael Jackson Saved Saison Dupont from Disappearing Forever

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About 40 years ago, Saison Dupont was the beer with the lowest sales rates at Brasserie Dupont, less than 2%, so it was destined to disappear from the catalog.

But just before this happened, in the late 80s, Don Feinberg appeared, creator of the Vanberg and DeWulf importer in the United States, who, following the advice of Michael Jackson, visited the Dupont brewery in Belgium to speak with the then director and master brewer Marc Rosier.

The Survival of Saison Dupont

Michael Jackson loved Saison Dupont, knew it wasn’t selling, and probably also knew that if he managed to sell it in the U.S., it would offer a hope of survival to this revered beer. And he was right.

Don Feinberg himself recounts that he would always scold Michael:

You have the easy job, you go from place to place, taste beer and write about them, the rest of us in the import business are the ones who actually put our money at stake.

As a result of this, Michael Jackson trusted Feinberg and informed him about new beers he had discovered that weren’t receiving the attention they deserved. And Saison Dupont was one of them.

At that time, Feinberg wanted to add some beers to his Belgian portfolio, and once at the Dupont brewery, Marc Rosier suggested his Blonde Moinette, but Feinberg was determined and convinced him to try exporting his Saison.

I had already tried Saison Dupont and loved it, but I didn’t tell Marc when I visited him for the first time. I told him I had heard he brewed a great hopped Ale that wasn’t too strong, but was full of flavor. He tried to convince me about the Moinette at first and took me to a place where it was served locally, and although I liked it, I was still convinced that I wanted to import the Saison.

Saison Dupont Arrives in the U.S.

Don Feinberg recalls:

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It was the year 1986 and by then there were already a good number of Belgian ales, blonde and strong, that were imported to the U.S. Therefore, I wanted something different, one that was thirst-quenching, aromatic, a very flavorful beer that could stand up to food, but wouldn’t hit you in the head with too much alcohol. Saison Dupont was and is that beer.

Feinberg liked the fact that Dupont offered their 75 cl bottles with cork and cage closure.

I thought it was an excellent way to present the beer and that was also a factor. Fortunately, the Dupont family was always very open to new ideas and wasn’t set in their ways regarding what other beer manufacturers did. That’s how we agreed on the importation of the Saison.

At that time, after the first importation of Saison Dupont to the United States, beer lovers couldn’t quite ‘place’ it. It was nothing they had tasted before, and this created a lot of anticipation.

People were wondering, is it a wheat beer? Over time, it became very popular here and in many other countries. Today, Saison Dupont is the standard for the style worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does Saison Dupont taste like, and what is its tasting profile?

It is considered the gold standard of the Saison style. It presents a pale amber color with a dense and persistent foam. On the nose and palate, citrus notes, touches of pepper, and a distinctive yeast that contributes a dry and earthy character stand out. Its finish is markedly bitter and refreshing.

2. What is the alcohol percentage (ABV) of Saison Dupont?

The classic version of Saison Dupont has an alcohol content of 6.5% ABV. This balance allows it to maintain a complex and robust structure without losing its original function of being a “farmhouse beer” created to quench thirst during harvest months.

3. Why is Saison Dupont said to be a “farmhouse” beer (farmhouse ale)?

Because it belongs to the tradition of beers that were originally brewed on farms in Wallonia (Belgium) during the winter. They were designed to be consumed by seasonal workers (saisonniers) in the summer. Brasserie Dupont has maintained these artisanal methods, including the use of flat-bottom fermentation tanks that give it its unique character.

4. At what temperature should Saison Dupont be served to appreciate its aromas?

To fully enjoy its aromatic complexity and natural carbonation, it is recommended to serve it between 8 and 10°C. Serving it too cold (standard refrigerator temperature) can “dampen” the spicy notes and yeast profile, while a tulip glass will help retain its iconic foam crown.

5. What foods does Saison Dupont pair best with?

Due to its high carbonation and dry finish, it is extremely versatile. It pairs exceptionally well with aged cheeses, poultry dishes, steamed mussels, and spiced meals (such as Thai or Vietnamese), as its bitterness and effervescence help cleanse the palate between bites.